Remove emulsion layer from a fiber print

[Pieter12]

Is it possible to remove the emulsion layer from a fiber-base silver gelatin print, like you can with a Polaroid? I want to be able to transfer and manipulate the image.

 

[koraks]

Not really, in my experience. It tends to flake very very badly if you soften it enough to detach from the baryta base.

 

[MattKing]

I don't know that you would have more success, but you might try with an RC print - perhaps the heavier weight Ilford Portfolio paper?

 

[AgX]

Not really, in my experience. It tends to flake very very badly if you soften it enough to detach from the baryta base.

Have you tried hardening the emulsion before?

 

[koraks]

No, I haven't, mainly because my hypothesis is that the release process doesn't work because the emulsion on today's papers is already hardened to a large extent. For example the Adox MCC paper I use most of the time easily withstands wet times of 2-3 days without damage to the emulsion.